Hiking the Natural Bridge Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park
Distance: 1.4 miles / 2.3 km
At only 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away from the trailhead, the Natural Bridge Trail is one of the easiest hikes in Death Valley National Park!
However, the distance above is the full Natural Bridge Canyon hike to the typically dry waterfall where most hikers turn around.
Natural Bridge Canyon Trailhead Parking
The parking lot for the Natural Bridge Trail is located at the end of the bumpy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) Natural Bridge Road.
That said, most 2WD cars should be able to make the drive to the trailhead.
Google Maps Directions: Natural Bridge Canyon Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Death Valley
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Death Valley National Park.
Hiking the Natural Bridge Canyon Trail
The Natural Bridge Trail can be a very hot and exposed hike for the first 0.25 miles (0.4 km) until you get into the canyon.
However, when it’s not summer, I recommend the trail midday to late afternoon to have the best light for photos underneath the bridge.
These photos were taken at about 11 a.m., and there were still great shadows for staying cool while hiking up the canyon in March.
Natural Bridge
At only 0.3 miles (0.5 km) into the hike, the Natural Bridge is a 35 ft. (11 m) tall arch that spans across the canyon.
It’s a popular place for people to stop, but with a little patience, I was able to get a few photos without other people.
Upper Natural Bridge Canyon
Past the Natural Bridge, the trail continues up the canyon for another 0.4 miles (0.6 km) until it comes to a dry waterfall chute where most people turn around.
This is first of two ledges to scramble up before the end.
Always be 100% sure of where you place you hands and feet in Death Valley. Please read the safety section at the end to understand more.
The end of the trail for most people is this dry waterfall chute.
I have no doubt that if someone were skilled and determined enough, they could find a way around this wall. However, it would definitely require some amount of gear to keep going.
